Major Blow for Alpine F1 as Alonso’s Close Aide Parts Ways After Hungarian GP Win

Alpine are still overjoyed from their victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, courtesy of Esteban Ocon. However, there is sad news for the French team as Rémi Taffin, a vital team member in the engine department, has parted ways.

The French boss left the Enstone-based team on good terms. Taffin has been with the team since 1999, hence it would be a big blow for Alpine as they progress through this season.

Shockwaves at Alpine as a major boss leaves

Taffin was the race engineer of Ricardo Zonta during his days at British American Racing. He also worked at Jos Verstappen at Arrows. The Frenchman has worked with world champion drivers, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso when he won back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006.

In the year 2009, Taffin worked in a different sector of the team, which focused on performance. His work at Renault helped Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel win four world championships, as they were using the French team’s power units back then.

Formula One F1 – Steiermark Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Styria, Austria – June 25, 2021 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso in action during practice REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

2016 saw Taffin saw him head the Viry-Châtillon plant, a place where the Renault engine is developed. The team didn’t adjust to the hybrid era well, but seeing Ocon take the chequered flag at the Hungaroring gave the French team hopes.

Hence, with Taffin’s departure, it’s no surprise that the Enstone-based team will be looking to replace him as quickly as possible. However, they haven’t confirmed anyone yet.

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How’s the French team doing this season?

When the team transformed from Renault to Alpine this season, they were optimistic. They had signed 2-times world champion, Alonso to replace Daniel Ricciardo who was bound for McLaren.

They were hoping that Alonso would team up with Ocon, and bring success to the French team. So far this year, the team has done quite well, but know they can achieve better results as the season moves forward.

Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – August 1, 2021 Alpine’s Esteban Ocon celebrates with teammate Fernando Alonso after winning the race Pool via REUTERS/Florion Goga

Alpine have one win under their belt, which they took at Budapest, and currently sit in fifth place in standing with seventy-seven points. With the upcoming race at Spa for the Belgium GP, Alonso and Ocon are hoping to bag some more points for the French team year, and aim to find success with Taffin.

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